Arts Hub | Adelaide Matters June 5

If you happen to stumble across a copy of the latest issue of Adelaide Matters, check out page 13 for an article on Red Thread Collective. Featuring works from the ORNATE exhibition in the background, I had an interesting chat with editor Catherine Clifton during the show about the importance of creating a supportive network for emerging artists. I look forward to developing the initiative in the near future, seeing the group grow and providing encouraging opportunities for all involved.

Lair of Crazy Creatures by Luka Vaitkeviciene

Red Thread Collective member and Illustrator Luka Vaitkeviciene recently arrived in Australia from Vilnius in Lithuania. Luka describes her hometown as little and cozy. Interestingly, yet possibly unconsciously I find she has been drawn to a similarly portrayed city in Adelaide. Her candid and somewhat childlike depictions of animals and people are inspired by her everyday surroundings, “the streets, funny people with funny dogs, old things with stories and children’s books”. Preferably working with the humble pen and paper, Luka has incorporated her designs onto ceramics, bags, badges and dioramas, all of which you can admire on her website.

Luka’s Top 5 blogs

www.scarygirl.com/ - I used to check this often and it inspired me a lot.

animalsindresses.blogspot.com - my friend’s blog on her favourite things and her art.

kushkomikss.blogspot.com/ - It's a Latvian blog about comics, they make nice little comic magazines and put information about comic contests.

juliapott.blogspot.com/ - love her animals!

www.art-dept.com/illustration/fahlen/ - this is very inspiring Swedish artist

RTC members enjoy hearing about the differences between our two cities, Luka’s new characters and stories and we hope that whilst living in Adelaide, she finds some ‘aussie’ inspirations for her illustrations... starting with attempting to draw wombats.

Craftsouth Traditional Craft Skills Workshops

After the success of last year's program of traditional craft skills workshops run by Craftsouth, they are pleased to announce their new program for 2011. Looking for a new direction in your work, or want to learn a traditional technique from a craft practitioner with a culturally and linguistical background, whilst connecting to other South Australian artists and community members, then sign up for these wonderful workshops.

Textile craft workshops running from one day to 10 week courses include Bangeledeshi quilt embroidery, Nigerian indigo dyeing, Bosnian sock knitting and Middle Eastern knotted rug weaving. Material fees are included in the cost of each workshop and Craftsouth members receive a 20% discount.

For more information on the schedule and to register for workshops email niki.vouis@craftsouth.org.au or visit the Craftsouth website